Dimension, the virtual production studio behind blockbuster film and entertainment titles including “Masters of the Air” (Apple), the Whitney Houston biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” (Sony Pictures), and the upcoming “Those About to Die” (Peacock) and “Here” (Sony Pictures), today announced a significant investment from US-based private equity firm Growth Catalyst Partners (GCP).
The multi-million pound investment will accelerate Dimension’s international growth, expanding production capacity in key markets including the UK, USA and Europe.
For GCP, this investment provides an exciting platform for diversifying into the next generation of film and entertainment production. Dimension’s work in virtual production, visualization, and virtual humans has already been widely adopted in major film, broadcast, sports, music, and location-based entertainment productions. Dimension complements GCP’s portfolio of innovative creative studios, including Squint/Opera, ICRAVE, and Journey.
Last month, visual entertainment services company DNEG launched a new division, DNEG 360, operated by Dimension, bringing Dimension’s headcount to 240. Next month, Dimension, in collaboration with DNEG 360 and Sunbelt Rentals, will officially open a massive virtual production studio complex in west London that will feature performance, vehicle and volumetric capture stages as well as one of the largest LED volumes in Europe.
The funding will accelerate the technological advancements of Dimension’s end-to-end virtual production pipeline and applied technology team, as well as education and training, as Dimension continues to embrace the future of real-time and artificial intelligence technologies.
Dimension recently announced Virtual Circle, a “script to screen” initiative in collaboration with cinema operator Vue and award-winning producers to develop and co-produce a series of independent films benefiting from cutting edge virtual production and the Government’s 40% tax credit for independent films. The first films to be shot at Dimension this year include 2040, Campbeltown ’69 and HUMANOID (Cambridge Picture Company).
Commenting on the investment, Simon Windsor, co-founder and co-CEO of Dimension, said: “Dimension has been at the forefront of real-time and virtual production for over a decade, with its advanced 3D content pipeline and technology powering major movies, shows, media and entertainment experiences.
“The rapid acceleration and convergence of real-time, volumetric and AI technologies is providing filmmakers and storytellers with unparalleled creative opportunities, delivering innovative production approaches, new efficiencies and greater quality.
“Dimension has built one of the largest and most experienced virtual production teams and as demand for our services continues to grow, we are pleased to partner with the great team at GCP to invest in our exciting roadmap and the expansion of our production capabilities in the UK and globally.”
James O’Callaghan, managing director at Growth Catalyst Partners, commented: “Dimension is leading the next generation of content creation and filmmaking. The company has grown from a small UK studio into a global production company that has become an integral part of major Hollywood studios and new forms of entertainment experiences, delivering efficient pipelines and technology that deliver incredible results.”
“GCP has a history of partnering with ambitious teams and progressive, high-growth companies. We’re excited to be part of Dimension’s journey and believe this investment will help the team accelerate the development of new technology and growth into new markets.”
